50+ things to do before you leave CT

Connecticut is one of the smallest states in the country, but we pack a
lot of punch into our 5,543 square miles. Here's a list of 50 of our
favorite things to see and do in the state. Consider it a Connecticut
Bucket List. Did we miss anything? Tell us in the comments or email us
at ed@ctnews.com. less

Connecticut is one of the smallest states in the country, but we pack a
lot of punch into our 5,543 square miles. Here's a list of 50 of our
favorite things to see and do in the state. Consider it a ... more

Connecticut is one of the smallest states in the country, but we... Photo-7433839.78337 - Connecticut Post

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Check out the Pez Visitor Center35 Prindle Hill Rd., Orange, CT 06477One of Connecticut's sweet little secrets: Pez candy is manufactured right here in Orange, CT. The visitors' center is a delicious way to spend an afternoon with the original "interactive" candy. less

Check out the Pez Visitor Center
35 Prindle Hill Rd., Orange, CT 06477
One of Connecticut's sweet little secrets: Pez candy is manufactured right here in Orange, CT. The visitors' center is a delicious way to ... more

See a play at Westport Country Playhouse 25 Powers Court, Westport, CT 06880
Founded in 1931 by Lawrence Langner, a New York theater producer, Westport Country Playhouse has produced more than 700 plays, 36 of which were moved to Broadway. Come enjoy some of your favorite stories on stage. less

See a play at Westport Country Playhouse
25 Powers Court, Westport, CT 06880
Founded in 1931 by Lawrence Langner, a New York theater producer, Westport Country Playhouse has produced more than 700 plays, 36 ... more

Photo: Contributed Photo

See a play at Westport Country Playhouse 25 Powers Court,... Photo-5310138.78337 - Connecticut Post

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Ski Mohawk Mountain
46 Great Hollow Rd., Cornwall, CT 06753
This popular destination offers day and night skiing and snowboarding. Mohawk Mountain is known for helping create and popularize the snow gun and artificial snow. less

Ski Mohawk Mountain
46 Great Hollow Rd., Cornwall, CT 06753
This popular destination offers day and night skiing and snowboarding. Mohawk Mountain is known for helping create and popularize the snow gun and ... more

Ride the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat
One Railroad Ave., Essex, CT 06426Tour the unspoiled Connecticut River Valley, called "one of the last great places on earth" by the Nature Conservancy, from aboard the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat'. The 2½-hour journey begins at the historic 1892 Essex Station. less

Ride the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat
One Railroad Ave., Essex, CT 06426
Tour the unspoiled Connecticut River Valley, called "one of the last great places on earth" by the Nature Conservancy, from aboard the ... more

Follow the Connecticut Beer TrailTake a tour, learn about Connecticut's breweries and craft beers and check out the best spots to pick up a cold pint. Pictured here is Stamford's Half Full Brewery. Check out other breweries on the Connecticut Beer Trail here. less

Follow the Connecticut Beer Trail
Take a tour, learn about Connecticut's breweries and craft beers and check out the best spots to pick up a cold pint. Pictured here is Stamford's Half Full Brewery. Check out ... more

Visit the State Capitol
210 Capitol Ave., Hartford, CT 06106
The State Capitol is rich with history. While you're there, be sure to check out the Cannonball Tree and discover how it got from a Civil War battlefield to Connecticut. less

Visit the State Capitol
210 Capitol Ave., Hartford, CT 06106
The State Capitol is rich with history. While you're there, be sure to check out the Cannonball Tree and discover how it got from a Civil War ... more

Go to Goodspeed Opera House 20 Norwich Rd., East Haddam, CT 06423 Since 1877 Goodspeed has entertained audiences with originally produced musicals. Nineteen Goodspeed productions have moved on to Broadway, and won more than a dozen Tony Awards. The company also produces signifcant works from American musical theater. On the schedule for 2014: 'Damn Yankees,' 'Fiddler on the Roof' and 'Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn.' Open from April through December. less

Go to Goodspeed Opera House
20 Norwich Rd., East Haddam, CT 06423
Since 1877 Goodspeed has entertained audiences with originally produced musicals. Nineteen Goodspeed productions have moved on to Broadway, and ... more

Play the slots or see a show at Mohegan Sun
1 Mohegan Sun Blvd., Uncasville, CT 06382
Come visit one of the largest casinos in the United States for a concert or show at the arena and try your hand at at the array of games offered at Mohegan Sun. less

Play the slots or see a show at Mohegan Sun
1 Mohegan Sun Blvd., Uncasville, CT 06382
Come visit one of the largest casinos in the United States for a concert or show at the arena and try your hand at at the ... more

Photo: Kevin Mazur, Getty Images

Play the slots or see a show at Mohegan Sun
1 Mohegan Sun Blvd.,... Photo-5765819.78337 - Connecticut Post

Take a boat ride to the Thimble Islands
Branford, CT
Just off the shore of Stony Creek, take a ferry ride around the Thimble Islands, a chain of 365 small islands. Or take your time and visit one a day for a year. less

Take a boat ride to the Thimble Islands
Branford, CT
Just off the shore of Stony Creek, take a ferry ride around the Thimble Islands, a chain of 365 small islands. Or take your time and visit one a day for a ... more

Photo: Shoreline Aerial Photography, Hearst

Take a boat ride to the Thimble Islands
Branford, CT
Just off... Photo-5765846.78337 - Connecticut Post

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Visit Mystic Seaport
75 Greenmanville Ave., Mystic, CT 06355
From boat rides to a planetarium and a 19th Century village, Mystic Seaport has plenty to offer. Be sure to tour the Charles W. Morgan, America’s oldest commercial ship that's still afloat. (Only the USS Constitution is older.) less

Visit Mystic Seaport
75 Greenmanville Ave., Mystic, CT 06355
From boat rides to a planetarium and a 19th Century village, Mystic Seaport has plenty to offer. Be sure to tour the Charles W. Morgan, America’s ... more

Watch history come alive at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum
110 Pequot Trail, Mashantucket, CT 06338
The largest Native American museum in the world, this state-of the-art space boasts life-size exhibits, dramatic films and touch-screen computer programs that put the excitement of the past at your fingertips. less

Watch history come alive at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum
110 Pequot Trail, Mashantucket, CT 06338
The largest Native American museum in the world, this state-of the-art space boasts life-size exhibits, ... more

Visit The Dinosaur Place
1650 Hartford-New London Tpke. (Rt. 85)
Oakdale, CT 06370
Discover an outdoor adventure of prehistoric proportions: explore 40 life-sized dinosaurs on 1.5 miles of pristine nature trails and have fun getting lost with the family in a mammoth-sized maze. The Dinosaur Place is a must. less

Make waves at the Maritime Aquarium
10 North Water St., Norwalk, CT 06854
The Maritime Aquarium has harbor seals, river otters, sharks, jellyfish, loggerhead turtles and hundreds of other animals, as well as an IMAX theater. less

Make waves at the Maritime Aquarium
10 North Water St., Norwalk, CT 06854
The Maritime Aquarium has harbor seals, river otters, sharks, jellyfish, loggerhead turtles and hundreds of other animals, as well as ... more

Photo: Contributed Photo

Make waves at the Maritime Aquarium
10 North Water St., Norwalk,... Photo-5737920.78337 - Connecticut Post

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Marvel at the Mark Twain House & Museum
351 Farmington Ave., Hartford, CT 06105
The 1874 Mark Twain House in Hartford was the author’s residence for 17 years and is where he penned some of his most famous works, including “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.” less

Marvel at the Mark Twain House & Museum
351 Farmington Ave., Hartford, CT 06105
The 1874 Mark Twain House in Hartford was the author’s residence for 17 years and is where he penned some of his most famous ... more

Go to the Yale University Art Gallery
1111 Chapel St., New Haven, CT 06510Free and open to the public, visit the recently renovated Yale Art Gallery and see permanent installations that include American, European and Asian art. If you go before March 9, you can catch the special exhibition, Still Life: 1970s Photorealism. less

Go to the Yale University Art Gallery
1111 Chapel St., New Haven, CT 06510
Free and open to the public, visit the recently renovated Yale Art Gallery and see permanent installations that include American, ... more

Go Tubing at Woodbury Ski Area
785 Washington Rd., Woodbury, CT 06798
The sport is simple, a blast and a great wintertime activity. Just hop onto an inflated tube and you're off. Woodbury Ski Area has 15 snow tubing runs offering almost a mile of tubing trails, three parks, and four lifts. less

Go Tubing at Woodbury Ski Area
785 Washington Rd., Woodbury, CT 06798
The sport is simple, a blast and a great wintertime activity. Just hop onto an inflated tube and you're off. Woodbury Ski Area has 15 ... more

Visit the P.T. Barnum Museum 820 Main St., Bridgeport, CT 0660Find time to tour the house-turned-museum of the man who created the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus. Look for the Bridgeport mummy while you're there. less

Visit the P.T. Barnum Museum
820 Main St., Bridgeport, CT 0660
Find time to tour the house-turned-museum of the man who created the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus. Look for the Bridgeport mummy ... more

Spend the day at Lake Compounce
822 Lake Ave., Bristol, CT 06489
Splish, splash and scream at America’s oldest and longest-running theme park. The park features more than 50 rides and attractions, including the Splash Harbor Water Park and Boulder Dash, voted the best wooden roller coaster in the world. less

Spend the day at Lake Compounce
822 Lake Ave., Bristol, CT 06489
Splish, splash and scream at America’s oldest and longest-running theme park. The park features more than 50 rides and attractions, including ... more

Reflect at the Philip Johnson Glass House
199 Elm St., New Canaan, CT 06840
The Glass House, designed by American architect Philip Johnson, is one of the most significant residences of the 20th century. In addition to the Glass House, the 49-acre property comprises 14 structures including a collection of 20th century painting and sculpture. Open from May to November. Reservations are required. less

Reflect at the Philip Johnson Glass House
199 Elm St., New Canaan, CT 06840
The Glass House, designed by American architect Philip Johnson, is one of the most significant residences of the 20th century. In ... more

Go wild at the Beardsley Zoo
1875 Noble Ave., Bridgeport, CT 06610
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2012. Situated on 52 lush acres in historic Beardsley Park, the Zoo features 300 individual animals representing nearly 100 species most of which are native to North and South America. less

Sail on Long Island Sound
Take in the fresh breezes from a ride on Long Island Sound. You'll be able to sign up for tours and charter boats all along the shoreline.

Sail on Long Island Sound
Take in the fresh breezes from a ride on Long Island Sound. You'll be able to sign up for tours and charter boats all along the shoreline.

Photo: Shelley Cryan

Sail on Long Island Sound
Take in the fresh breezes from a ride... Photo-319867.78337 - Connecticut Post

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Rock at the Ridgefield Playhouse80 East Ridge, Ridgefield, CT 06877This cultural hub showcases world-class artists, from musicians to comedians to dancers. Prefer film? Take in a film and stick around for the Q&A with the director. Check it out. less

Rock at the Ridgefield Playhouse
80 East Ridge, Ridgefield, CT 06877
This cultural hub showcases world-class artists, from musicians to comedians to dancers. Prefer film? Take in a film and stick around for ... more

Take in a show at Infinity Music Hall & Bistro
20 Greenwoods Rd. West, Norfolk, CT 06058
Enjoy a concert at Infinity Music Hall & Bistro–an intimate music, dining and entertainment destination. Its original proscenium stage survived a recent renovation, and the hall hosts more than 200 music and entertainment shows by quality national and regional artists annually. less

Take in a show at Infinity Music Hall & Bistro
20 Greenwoods Rd. West, Norfolk, CT 06058
Enjoy a concert at Infinity Music Hall & Bistro–an intimate music, dining and entertainment destination. Its original ... more

Take in a show at Infinity Music Hall & Bistro
20 Greenwoods... Photo-4069916.78337 - Connecticut Post

Immerse yourself in art at the Florence Griswold Museum
96 Lyme St., Old Lyme, CT 06371
Old Lyme was home to the American Impressionist movement at the turn of the 20th century, largely thanks to Florence Griswold, “keeper of the artist colony.” Griswold opened her home to a group of artists in the early 1900s and today the inspirational grounds and gardens are open to all. less

Immerse yourself in art at the Florence Griswold Museum
96 Lyme St., Old Lyme, CT 06371
Old Lyme was home to the American Impressionist movement at the turn of the 20th century, largely thanks to Florence ... more

Sit on a deck and sip a glass of Merlot overlooking the lush vineyards of 24 of Connecticut's wineries. Most offer tasting rooms and many offer tours.The wineries and vineyards of the Connecticut Wine Trail are all members of the Connecticut Vineyard and Winery Association. Call ahead for schedules and offerings.

Climb to the top of Castle Craig
199 Notch Road, Meriden, Connecticut 06451 Hubbard Park is a popular outdoor recreation destination that features a number of hiking trails, most notably the 51-mile blue-blazed Metacomet Trail. The park also features a bandshell and flower gardens and is the site of a variety of local festivals and concerts. less

Climb to the top of Castle Craig
199 Notch Road, Meriden, Connecticut 06451Hubbard Park is a popular outdoor recreation destination that features a number of hiking trails, most notably the 51-mile ... more

Find a friend at Stamford Museum & Nature Center39 Scofieldtown Rd., Stamford, CT 06903Visit the 10-acre farm a throwback to a simpler time, star gaze at the planetarium and observatory, take in an exhibit at the Bendel Mansion gallery, meet a macaw at Animal Embassy, explore the nature center and walking trails (including Wheels in the Woods, a universally-accessible trail). Oh, and don't forget to stop by and say hi to Edie the Otter. less

Find a friend at Stamford Museum & Nature Center
39 Scofieldtown Rd., Stamford, CT 06903
Visit the 10-acre farm a throwback to a simpler time, star gaze at the planetarium and observatory, take in an exhibit at ... more

Gaze in Ahhh! at the Hot Air Balloon Festival
197 South Washington St., Plainville, CT 06062
This annual event is hosted by the Plainville Fire Company. Watch dozens of Hot Air Balloons graze the sky and stay for the fireworks at night. This year's festival is scheduled for Aug. 23-25, 2014. less

Gaze in Ahhh! at the Hot Air Balloon Festival
197 South Washington St., Plainville, CT 06062
This annual event is hosted by the Plainville Fire Company. Watch dozens of Hot Air Balloons graze the sky and ... more

Visit the Bruce Museum
1 Museum Drive, Greenwich, CT 06830
Greenwich’s Bruce Museum has permanent exhibits on geology, archeology, local Native Americans and the effects of man on the areas around Greenwich. Check their calendar for special exhibitions. less

Visit the Bruce Museum
1 Museum Drive, Greenwich, CT 06830
Greenwich’s Bruce Museum has permanent exhibits on geology, archeology, local Native Americans and the effects of man on the areas around ... more

See a movie at the Southington Drive-In
935 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike, Southington, CT 06489
The Southington Drive-In is one of only three remaining outdoor movie theaters in the state. Fun facts: the drive-in opened in 1954, closed in 2002, was purchased by the town of Southington in 2004 and reopened in 2010. less

See a movie at the Southington Drive-In
935 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike, Southington, CT 06489The Southington Drive-In is one of only three remaining outdoor movie theaters in the state. Fun facts: the ... more

Photo: Joe Raedle, Getty Images

See a movie at the Southington Drive-In
935 Meriden-Waterbury... Photo-5765843.78337 - Connecticut Post

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Head to the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center
77 Forest St., Hartford, CT 06105
A 21st Century museum and program center, the Stowe Center offers interactive and engaging tours of Stowe’s home and garden and offers programs designed to inspire action on social justice issues. less

Head to the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center
77 Forest St., Hartford, CT 06105
A 21st Century museum and program center, the Stowe Center offers interactive and engaging tours of Stowe’s home and garden and ... more

Climb West Rock
New Haven, CT 06515
With a high point of 700 feet, West Rock is a 7-mile long mountain ridge located on the west side of New Haven. The ridge forms a continuous line of exposed cliffs popular for recreation and known for its rare plant communities, and expansive views from cliffs that tower up to 500 feet. less

Climb West Rock
New Haven, CT 06515
With a high point of 700 feet, West Rock is a 7-mile long mountain ridge located on the west side of New Haven. The ridge forms a continuous line of exposed cliffs popular ... more

Photo: Meg Haywood-Sullivan, Getty Images

Climb West Rock
New Haven, CT 06515
With a high point of 700... Photo-5765816.78337 - Connecticut Post

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Have a whale of a time at the Mystic Aquarium
55 Coogan Blvd., Mystic, CT 06355
Mystic is filled with family attractions and fun for kids of all ages. Mystic Aquarium, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, is the place to discover whales, penguins, sea lions and other marine animals. less

Have a whale of a time at the Mystic Aquarium
55 Coogan Blvd., Mystic, CT 06355
Mystic is filled with family attractions and fun for kids of all ages. Mystic Aquarium, which celebrates its 40th anniversary ... more

Photo: DAVID W. KEYES/STAFF PHOTO

Have a whale of a time at the Mystic Aquarium
55 Coogan Blvd.,... Photo-1549461.78337 - Connecticut Post

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See a show at the Shubert Theater
247 College St., New Haven, CT
The Shubert Theater presents a wide range of shows from classical theater and musical productions to special acts like the Blue Man Group.

See a show at the Shubert Theater
247 College St., New Haven, CT
The Shubert Theater presents a wide range of shows from classical theater and musical productions to special acts like the Blue Man Group.

Photo: Contributed Photo

See a show at the Shubert Theater
247 College St., New Haven, CT... Photo-5615941.78337 - Connecticut Post

Visit the Discovery Museum
4450 Park Ave., Bridgeport, CT 06604
This hands-on science museum serves as both a tourist destination and an educational resource for area schools. The museum hosts three creative traveling exhibits each year and has permanent space, sound, and electricity galleries. less

Visit the Discovery Museum
4450 Park Ave., Bridgeport, CT 06604
This hands-on science museum serves as both a tourist destination and an educational resource for area schools. The museum hosts three ... more

Pick Your Own at Jones’ Family Farm
606 Walnut Tree Hill Rd., Shelton, CT 06484
Pick fruit, harvest pumpkins, select a Christmas tree, enjoy some wine...you can do it all at one of the most popular farms in Connecticut. less

Pick Your Own at Jones’ Family Farm
606 Walnut Tree Hill Rd., Shelton, CT 06484
Pick fruit, harvest pumpkins, select a Christmas tree, enjoy some wine...you can do it all at one of the most popular farms ... more

Head to Hammonasset Beach State Park
1288 Boston Post Road, Madison, CT 06443
The relatively warm and gentle waves make the largest beach in the state a popular place for families to spend sweltering summer days. More than one million visitors head for this Connecticut attraction each year. Bonus: Have a lobster roll at Lenny & Joe's Lobster Tale in nearlby Madison. less

Head to Hammonasset Beach State Park
1288 Boston Post Road, Madison, CT 06443
The relatively warm and gentle waves make the largest beach in the state a popular place for families to spend sweltering summer ... more

Go to Gillette Castle
67 River Rd., East Haddam, CT 06423
Take a tour of this castle that was once the quirky home of actor William Gillette and has been preserved as a Connecticut state park. The grounds alone, with their Connecticut River views, will take your breath away. less

Go to Gillette Castle
67 River Rd., East Haddam, CT 06423
Take a tour of this castle that was once the quirky home of actor William Gillette and has been preserved as a Connecticut state park. The grounds ... more

Visit the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History
170 Whitney Ave., New Haven, CT 06520
This museum has many diverse collections ranging from Indian artifacts to Egyptian art to a large bird collection.

Visit the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History
170 Whitney Ave., New Haven, CT 06520
This museum has many diverse collections ranging from Indian artifacts to Egyptian art to a large bird collection.

Visit the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum
211 Main St., Wethersfield, CT 06109
Colonial history comes alive during a tour of the museum, which immerses visitors in the 18th and 19th Centuries. Pictured here is a recreation of a Connecticut witch hunt. less

Visit the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum
211 Main St., Wethersfield, CT 06109
Colonial history comes alive during a tour of the museum, which immerses visitors in the 18th and 19th Centuries. Pictured here is a ... more

Visit Boothe Memorial Park & Museum
5800 Main St., Stratford, CT 06614
This 32-acre park by the Housatonic River was the estate of the Boothe family for many generations. There are many architecturally unique buildings and attractions on the grounds as well as a new, handicapped-accessible playground with two climbing walls. less

Visit Boothe Memorial Park & Museum
5800 Main St., Stratford, CT 06614
This 32-acre park by the Housatonic River was the estate of the Boothe family for many generations. There are many architecturally ... more

Catch the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center
300 Main St., Old Saybrook, CT 06475
Now a performing arts organization located in an historic theater and town hall, the center was opened in 1911 and has been renovated and includes a 250-seat theater and a small museum full of attractions honoring Katharine Hepburn, Old Saybrook’s most celebrated resident. less

Catch the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center
300 Main St., Old Saybrook, CT 06475
Now a performing arts organization located in an historic theater and town hall, the center was opened in 1911 and has ... more

Check out the Barker Museum1188 Highland Ave., Cheshire, CT 06410Immerse yourself in decades of fun and exciting cartoons and characters from over the years – like Darth Vader of 'Star Wars'. Perfect for the whole family where both adults and kids can see their favorite characters on display. Thanks to reader Nicholas Agento for the suggestion! (Photo by James Keyser//Time Life Pictures/Getty Images) less

Check out the Barker Museum
1188 Highland Ave., Cheshire, CT 06410
Immerse yourself in decades of fun and exciting cartoons and characters from over the years – like Darth Vader of 'Star Wars'. Perfect for the ... more

Shop at Stew Leonard's100 Westport Ave., Norwalk, CT 085199 Federal Road, Danbury, CT 06811The sign says it's the "world's largest dairy store" and it's not only big, it's a uniquely different shopping experience. Watch milk being processed and check out the costumed characters, the petting zoo and animatronics throughout the stores. less

Grab a slice at Pepe's Pizza
238 Commerce Drive Fairfield, CT 06825
59 Federal Road Danbury, CT 06810 157 Wooster St., New Haven, CT 06511
Like pizza? Head to Pepe's. They opened for the first time in 1925 and claim to be the creators of the New Haven thin crust pizza. They've got three locations in Connecticut. less

Grab a slice at Pepe's Pizza
238 Commerce Drive Fairfield, CT 06825
59 Federal Road Danbury, CT 06810
157 Wooster St., New Haven, CT 06511
Like pizza? Head to Pepe's. They opened for the first time in ... more